ⁱ'ˡˡ ᵍᵉᵗ ᵗʰᵉʳᵉ, ⁱ ˢʷᵉᵃʳ !

canon-divergent rapunzel of disney's tangled, with series influences.

[towercursed]

idk if anyone is still over here. but i'm over at @etaliia rn, my multi. trying to get back to punz but multi needs too much work. catch me over there. punz isn't forgotten but she's just on the back burner until i get my mutli sorted.

[towercursed]

… Did I forget to mention @xheartpages proposed to me last Christmas? Because she did. And we’ve been engaged for a year.

Whoops-

[towercursed]

.

@xheartpages​ ; kaneko / random asks

"You took a wrong turn."

Kaneko doesn't look up from her book when she says it; cutting through the silence of the room as Rampion entered her room. She's sitting in a worn window-still; the fading sunshine highlighting her russet colored hair as her attention was focused on a book in her hands. The room wasn't much, water damaged on the walls and cracks running along both the ceiling and walls; much like the rest of the place. It wasn't like they all had money to get a proper building to live in after all ...

Being one of the only girls of the group, Kaneko had been able to snag a room to herself for the principle of it. ( She barely slept in it, if she was being truthful -- she spent most of the night hours out and about, doing patrol or some small assignment or another. ) Sure, they had been complaints about it; especially from some of the guys her age, new or not, but it was shut down by Shaw if not by her. And they would all rather Shǎndiàn deal with it than Akatsuki.

With a pointed sigh through her nose, she lowers the book to fix the 'boy' with a pointed, hardened stare. She had already been trying to deal with him as little as possible, if only to soothe her own anxieties about a newcomer among that could be anybody; and seeing him without any warning only made the irritation spike.

"-- You can leave the way you came."

She’d hovered outside of the door for a few minutes, psyching herself up to enter. It’s like an invisible aura of doom hangs around the room, warning anyone and everyone to keep out or face the wrath of the scariest member of their house. The other boys in the house had warned Rapunzel ( going by Rampion until her mistrust of the outside world dies down ) that stepping foot in Kaneko’s room would result in her immediate doom - and with how Kaneko had reacted to her sudden appearance in the home, followed by pretending she doesn’t exist, Rapunzel believed them. 

But this is different! This isn’t just randomly showing up somewhere mysteriously - this is a mission, something Kaneko can appreciate! Rapunzel has to find a way to bond with the other girl, to ease her suspicion and bring some harmony to their relationship. Or, better yet, turn the grumpy hero into her best friend! Maybe she could even be trusted with the little secret of ‘ Rampion’s ’ true identity.

And that’s why she finds herself staring at the peeling paint of the wooden door, taking deep breaths as she silently reassures herself that things can’t go that bad. She’s even clutching a peace-offering, hoping to relax the other a little. One final breath, and she opens the door carefully.

The words she’s greeted with weren’t exactly unfriendly, though she couldn’t describe them as welcoming. The hope falls from her face as her eyes scan the floor, doubting her decision to extend an olive branch and considering following Kaneko’s instructions without another word. It’s only through an instinct, a spike of intuition that tells her this is the right path, that she lifts her head and flashes a bright smile with renewed energy.

“ Oh, uh ---- sorry. ” A nervous laugh follows as she shrugs a little, taking the opportunity to step closer. Though, she’s careful to keep her tone low ; it’s unnerving trying to be friendly while pretending to have a man’s voice when she’s been taught masculine features are dangerous. “ Actually --- I was looking for you. ”

She holds up the plate in her hand, showing off the half a dozen cookies stacked on it. The smell of them easily wafts around the room, showing off their freshness and trying to tempt Kaneko with the warmth they promise they hold onto. While the treats had intended on being a surprise, she supposes it’s hard to get rid of the aroma long enough to present them and Kaneko has surely guessed what they are even if she really is focused on that book.

“ We didn’t exactly get off on the right foot and I wanted to change that. ” She inhales again and slowly crosses the room, laying the plate on the bed rather than attempting to get close to the other without explicit permission. “ Here - they’re oatmeal. A lot of the boys said they were too boring, so there’s chocolate chip dough waiting to be cooked. ” 

Baking cookies over an open fire has been interesting ; it’s not like there’s a lot of power without Shaw and his personal supply of electricity. The others have been so supportive of her endeavours, even whining as they wonder when their treats would be ready - only for half of them to recoil when she explained the lack of chocolatey goodness. One of them made a quip about having a girly hobby and not even being able to perform it correctly, but he was quickly shut up by the others. It was still enough to linger in her mind, pushing her away from any common areas and into seclusion.

Seclusion that apparently Kaneko hides in too, apparently. It made it easier to find her, but it prompts other questions that Rapunzel can’t voice yet. 

“ I know I can’t change much just with some food, but I’m hoping it’s a start. ” She speaks with sincerity in her voice despite the fluctuating anxiety in her chest, clasping her hands behind her back so she can nervously squeeze her fingers without being judged for it. “ You can join us downstairs if you want chocolate chip, but I’d come down soon. A lot of the boys want them and there might be some fights. ”

With one last smile, she nods her head and finally leaves, closing the door behind her with a satisfying click.

[towercursed]

xsalvaticn​

“Yeah – Maybe you shouldn’t of.” Even though there was still a sting of offense, Vanitas wasn’t truly upset. There’s been worst things assumed about him and worst actions done to him based on assumptions compared to bringing him some delicious smelling fish. Tail jerks slightly as blue eyes lingered on the covered dishes, the urge to reach and accept them stronger than he would of liked.

Black ears flicked in subtle annoyance as the girl settled in her seat across from him as opposed to going away like he had demanded, arms crossing stiffly over his chest. There didn’t seem to be any ill-intent with this girl’s actions – there was no mocking sneer to the curl of her lips nor was there a patronizing tone to her voice as she spoke. There was genuine embarrassment and remorse when admitting that perhaps she shouldn’t of assumed he would prefer fish, and while she didn’t leave like he hissed at her to, she made no moves to advance closer into his space.

… Weird.

Blue eyes narrowed slightly, catching her words even through the upbeat tone she used. The blonde was obviously an aristocrat – otherwise, how else could she have found her way to this room in the palace? – and yet she spoke of knowing the horrific side of humanity genuinely. It made him curious … which in turn caused an annoyed scowl to rumble in his throat. ( Not yet a hiss, but a soft warning. )

“Just because I have ears and a tail doesn’t mean the rest of me isn’t human — stupid.” Throwing away the very feline sound he made in the base of his throat, Vanitas chucks the words at her, although the tone was less sharper if one was listening for it. ‘I–”

He leans back slightly as she leans forward, eyes widening a fraction at the burst of excitement; as though he was a fun challenge for her to try and crack. “I— uh—!” Ears press flat to black hair, red tinting his cheeks as he looks away stiffly from her bright demeanor, hands digging into his biceps. “… i didn’t say… that I wouldn’t eat the fish…”

He would rather die than admit that seafood was some of the only food that he would actually eat. ( Especially Oysters. ) But … well … it would be a damn shame to let such a delicious smelling fishy meal go to waste, wouldn’t it…? Especially since she’s done so much to get it to him…

… Not that he cared about her struggles, of course!!

… But—

“ Then take it. ”

She places the package near him, careful to act slowly with no sudden movements. She’s willing to risk he’ll be insulted that she’s treating him like a wild animal still ; it beats frightening him and losing her eyes, right? He can watch her all he likes and he won’t find anything suspicious. She’s used to playing the part of a princess, but this is one aspect she enjoys much more - making people feel comfortable. 

Sometimes it’s difficult and she gets it. Speaking to a person of authority is intimidating, new people are hard to talk to, and some, like Vanitas, recognise the evil of those with power. But she knows how to wade through those concerns, to take them into her arms and validate them while proving she can put them to peacefully to rest. And she turns it on him, eyeing him with a brightness in her gaze that she uses when people are afraid.

“ I won’t judge you for being hungry or wanting something fancy. We’re all human, right? ” A huge smile lights up her face with sunny warmth while she retracts her hand, tracing it across the blanket so he can easily follow her movements. “ You deserve to have your needs met, and a couple of treats won’t be bad for you. ”

Sincerity is in every action, every word she speaks, while containing her excitement. She knows if she bursts, she’ll frighten him. It’s better to start slow with him and let him come to her, even if she wants to drag him around every inch of the castle and show him everything good in the world that he’s clearly missed. At least she’s had that opportunity, alongside seeing the bad in the world - she wants him to experience the wonders that will make him smile, any way she can.

“ It’s not like we’ll run out of fish either. ” She continues smoothly, shrugging nonchalantly with a lopsided smile. “ We’re surrounded by the ocean. I could probably go to the beach and find some shellfish laying around right now. ”

[towercursed]

@xuntamed​ / lost meme

Send “UNF” to pin my muse against the wall with DESIRE

She adores Shaw’s shows. Watching Isolation play at the Live House is always a treat, and she swears it gets more exciting every time. Most people around her drink or get high, sometimes both, but she doesn’t need anything except the adrenaline of seeing her boyfriend up on stage. She rejects plenty of offers as she stares lovingly at Shaw or dances and chats with familiar regulars, losing herself in the music and having fun. At one point, she ends up at the front of the stage, right underneath Shaw where she can see everything, from each tilt of his eyebrow to the sweat making him shine like an angel. He practically glows under the multicoloured lights and she can’t help staring at him every chance she gets.

She’s among the excited bar-goers to cheer when they finish, and eagerly slips around the side to the wings of the stage. Shaw is waiting for her with a grin and she jumps, her feet swinging off the ground as she dangles from his neck like the world’s biggest necklace. His grin is against her ear as he walks off with her, taking her backstage as he holds onto her waist with one arm. She can’t lift her head from his shoulder, her smile too wide and her face too flushed to bear counting the people who would stare at her. Most people around here probably know what’s going to happen, but that doesn’t mean she has to share this moment anymore than she has to.

He slips into his room easily and locks the door behind them. It’s only then that he puts her down, just to lead her backwards to the wall and holds her wrists against it. The space between them allows her to see his grin and the hot glint in his eyes before he leans in to press his lips against hers. She can taste the sweat born from exhilaration and overhead lighting ; her heart swells to think he might feel this way at least in part because of her. Every action of his sparks in her lower stomach, igniting a steady fire that consumes every thought. Her lips part for him as he presses against her and a muffled noise slips out from her, more out of control than she would have liked but apparently one that he’s interested in as she feels his grin against her.

“ Do you want--- I mean, are we going to--- ” She’s already breathing heavily, excitement coursing through her veins, so much that she can barely form the words. A heavy blush sits on her cheeks, contributing to her sudden lack of words, but the moment she locks eyes with him her face erupts into a wild grin with a gentle laugh.

[towercursed]

@xsalvaticn​ / [ cont. ]

“ Élie? ”

By the time he’s turned from her, she’s sitting up, propped up on her elbow to not jostle their child too much. Her smile is gone, replaced by a confused frown as she watches his actions with the same care he’s putting into them. He looks like he’s on auto-pilot, sticking to a task he’s able to perform. Has she brought this response from him? Maybe her fun little ‘ surprise ’ wasn’t as happy as she thought it would be.

It doesn’t take her a moment to decide to comfort Élie but wriggling away from her kitten is more difficult. He’s a light sleeper, just like his dad, and she knows he won’t make any noise even if he did wake up which will just make it harder to have this conversation. He shouldn’t have to witness that, but his quietness makes it hard to turn her back on him. Eventually, she manages to slip away while keeping Éra soundly asleep and wrapped up tight. She slips to her boyfriend’s side, holding him in her arms and squeezing him tight. She manages to keep quiet about how Éra likes being squeezed, whether from hugs or hiding in small places.

“ Élie, it’s okay. ” She muses into his ear, reaching up on her toes to brush her nose against the fur across it. “ I know you’re scared. He’s scared too, and I think you need each other. ”

Even still, she needs him too. In this moment she needs him more than she can express, and if he can’t be there for their son then she’ll try her own luck - she also suspects he might need her too, as support with his anxiety taking over. Her face nuzzles into his neck as she pulls him closer still, trying to eliminate all the space between them and bring him the same comfort she feels around him.

“ Will you sit with us? ” She asks quietly, easing her grip in case he wants to run away. She won’t be happy if he does, but she’ll understand. “ Just for a minute, then I’ll take him back to my room so you can get some rest. ”

[towercursed]

@xheartpages​ ; xiao / random asks

It seemed comfy; that was one of Xiao's thoughts whenever he caught Benny snuggled into Rapunzel's chest, whether just because he felt like it or to go to sleep. Sometimes Xiao would watch from his place on his father, large amber eyes locked onto their display of affect before turning himself over; nuzzling further into his father.

But he could never get it out of his head. Not completely --- they had bonded pretty well, when Xiao had slowly toddled into Xingqiu's developing room and asked if he could help paint it. ( And he made a pretty flower and birds that he showed his father too! And they all made a collective flower as a family with their hand prints... with one space for whenever baby Xingqiu would be able to contribute. ) But since then, he has retreated back, if only slightly. It was as though the child had reached out to try the water, finding it lukewarm as opposed to scalding hot like he had been afraid it would be. But still... He was scared.

But one day, when Zhongli was out of the house once more - maybe at the work place? - Xiao had approached Rapunzel again, much more braver than his last approach. She was in the perfect position too, kneeling while working on some project or another; maybe another thing for baby Xingqiu. He stood in front of her, large eyes glancing from her face to her body, skimming the more apparent stomach before he's moving in; much more careful in order not to jostle her too much. He climbs onto her, pulling his small body into her lap, legs pulling up under him as though trying to make himself into a ball before he mimics what he's seen from his younger more energetic brother -- he rests his head against her chest, hearing her heartbeat softly thump against the side of his face as he nuzzles himself into her further.

Already, he could tell he made the right decision. The immediate feeling of safety washed over him; making amber eyes droop as a wide yawn escaped him.

“ Hi there. ”

His boldness surprises her, but she doesn’t react beyond a hopeful smile. One wrong move could scare him off and she isn’t going to risk it after their developments! So she watches him, silent but with inviting warmth and hopes that he will continue his adventure closer to her. It’s almost unnerving to watch him staring at her like she’s a wild animal, but she knows a lion tamer when she sees one. Though he’s small, he’s brave and bold, a perfect combination to conquer whatever fears are running around his head. 

And he surely does exactly as she expects. Pride swells up in her throat as he finally approaches and she almost ruins his mission by breaking the silence to congratulate him. She’s only stopped by the way he sits on her, firm in what he’s doing but gentle enough to make sure she and Xingqiu aren’t uncomfortable. Accepting her presence is one thing, but choosing to seek our her company and even wanting to be close to her? She’s left utterly speechless with the development, surprise lighting her face as he snuggles up to her.

She loses her voice for a time, silently awestruck at her good fortune. The child only digs his heels into the comfort and she does nothing to stop him, afraid that any reaction might retract the progress he’s made. But then she thinks further ; he’s here for a reason, isn’t he? He’s looking for something, whether it’s a development in their relationship or some affection he can’t get from somewhere else, and not giving him a response could hinder both of those needs.

“ Are you a little tired? ” Her voice is hushed, filled with a smile without him having to look at her face. Afraid of overstepping, she’s careful not to snuggle up to him too much, but she can’t help giving him a welcoming squeeze, one hand resting lightly on his back. If he wants to rest, she’ll help however she can. “ Here. ”

It takes her a moment to stretch far enough to reach, but she manages to hook her fingertips around the edge of a soft blanket and drag it over to them. She drapes it over Xiao, tucking it around him like a hooded cape so he can hide and feel safe. He’s still just making progress with her, but that doesn’t mean she can’t help him out all she can ; maybe a safe corner for him to curl up in will make him more at ease.

She releases a deep sigh of relief to hold him like this and wonders when the last time he had someone to rest with like this. Zhongli is a great dad and Xiao seems more than content with their physical affection, but she’s seen that their relationship is a bit more subdued than the one she has with her own son. She wonders if Xiao had the same relationship with his own mother, or if they were as gentle as Zhongli too, and if he had ever had someone to smother him with physical love.

She hums a gentle tune as she tightens her grip on him, nuzzling her head to his. Benny always likes this, saying it makes him feel warm and happy ; she can only hope Xiao gets a similar feeling. She considers rocking him too, but perhaps it’s better not to push her luck. He’s taken a huge step today that benefits both of them and she’s infinitely grateful for his courage. And she’s willing to let him know that in a soft voice, only for his ears.

“ Don’t worry. I always have room for you. ”

[towercursed]

ur friendly reminder that ‘ the girl who has everything ’ is incredibly tone-deaf and ooc for punz. singing about ‘wow look how lucky i am!! i have a home and parents and a family and friends and a boyfriend and the only thing that will make this better is getting engaged!! ’ literally when her best friend, who has none of that to the point where this is rubbing it in her face and who is being manipulated / poorly written, was her top priority two episodes ago. so uuuh she has checks notes forgotten her best friend and how she wants nothing more than to have her safe, forgive her abusive father and the way her mother excused that abuse, miraculously gotten over her fear of leading by hurting said best friend, and has abandoned her dream of travelling the world in favour of suddenly wanting nothing more than her previous worst fear of being trapped.

[towercursed]

forgaeven​

‘  —  and where’d i go,   huh ?  ’    the words are meant t’ come out desperate,  he thinks.   come out weak and cowardly,   cause that’s how he feels,   deep in his bones;   throat working around a bile that’s formin’,   he could feel,   right where he’s swallowin’.   gendry is afraid,  but he doesn’t sound like it.   no,  he sounded angry;  annoyed,  even.   a bull through and through,  he could hear his master mott snapped a’ him,   but gendry couldn’t help it.

cause his question still stands,  y’ see  —  where would he go,  if not here ?   if not this kingdom he has long grown up in ?   it’s where he eats,  he sleeps,  he shits.

it isn’t his fault that a mistake of one king with some tavern maid  —   and gendry breathes heavy at even the mental mention of mum,  who wasn’t at any fault at all,  who was probably there at the king’s service ‘cause she needed to live,  cause if she’d refused she might’ve as well given him her head on a platter  —   was now his to carry.   yet,   there it was:   the princess was right.  they’d come over t’ kill him,  over somethin’ he never asked for.  over somethin’ he didn’t even want.

‘   if yer’ kingdom couldn’t protect me,  what choice do i ‘ave out there ?   ’    none,   he wants to growl,   but he has a feelin’ she could understand that just fine.

   @towercursed​   /   starter call

She’s heard the term ‘ stubborn as an ox ’ before, and in this moment she can think of no one it better suits. Not that she’d voice that to him, especially in this moment. She worries it might come across the wrong way ; she admires that trait and the underlying passion to fight for what they believe in, but in this moment it fills her with dread for her friend. 

“ I can’t just let you die here. ” She insists gently, reaching out to cup his cheek. The concern runs deep into her eyes and she can’t even manage her usual soothing smile ; she’s so consumed by worry and she’s silently willing for him to understand. “ They’re going to come for you - anywhere is better than where they are. ”

Desperation oozes from her words where tears refuse to fall, as though she can convince him just with her expression. He’s a man of action, after all, so that might be the best way to convince him. She can feel the dirt on his face under her hands, the day’s work clinging to him already and telling more about his story than a thick book ever could.

“ You know, we have a smithy in Corona. ” She squeezes his cheek gently, hoping this will coax him into at least hearing her out. “ You could come to see it, and meet the blacksmith there. Xavier’s a great guy and he’s got a hundred stories. ”

[towercursed]

forgaeven​

he’s not happy;  he can’t show it.   it isn’t as if hans intends to stay in the library for long.   that wouldn’t be wise.   if he hides long enough and someone catches whiff of this misbehaviour,  there will be no doubt that words could go back to his tutors,  to his brothers,  father.   and he cannot let it happen.   but the party  —  a ball,  a dinner,  a gala  whatever they call it these days as to not sound too pretentious but luxurious enough that it is an invitation-only and heavily secured   —  was too loud,  and hans had expected some of his brothers to show,  yet still.

he merely needs a moment to gather.

and to hear the sound of the library door swings open  —  it’s such a heavy thing,  you see,  the doors.  ancient architecture and all that  —  has him hunched his shoulders together.  but he wills himself to breathe.  he is fine.  there is nothing to worry him;  no harm shall come for him.  he turns,  and catches a pair of wide eyes.   familiar.   ‘    princess,   ’    he bows his head,  automatic,  in greeting.   they’ve met before,  briefly;   on a tour of the university.   he hasn’t seen her since.

but he recognises her,  of course he does.   a perfect prince does not slip up.

   @towercursed​   /   starter call

“ Oh, sorry! I didn’t realise anyone was in here. ”

Her face immediately lights up with embarrassment to see someone where she had expected to retreat. He seems familiar enough for her to know she’s been introduced to him before ( especially since he seems to know the title she’s recently been bestowed ) but his name escapes her. It seems she’s messing up all over the place today ; she had only retreated to the library in the first place so she could read up on a few topics being discussed. It’s not she doesn’t understand what they’re saying! But she can’t help but feel the missing years with her family when they talk about things she can’t respond to, hence her quick trip to read up on what the subject is. And her shame at not being able to remember this non-stranger’s name.

“ I can go! You know, if you want some alone time. ” She hurries over her words, trying to get her sincerity to reach him as fast as she can. She’s almost backing out, before she remembers why she’s there in the first place. Her eyes dart around, believing she could take what she needs and wander off again - except that the topic she wants to look at is blocked by him. “ If I could just grab a book behind you--- ”

[towercursed]

@xsalvaticn​ / lost meme

[ CLOSER ]:     while pinning the receiver against the wall, sender glances down at their lips, suddenly aware of how close they are to one another…

Her head smacks against the black rock, which had materialised just as it had been needed to trap her against it. Vanitas’ hands roughly pin her to it as she tries to make her vision stop spinning, half thankful that he’s there to hold her up as she’s certain she’d drop to her knees otherwise. It’s not like he can really hurt her anyway ; her hair will shield her if her life is truly in danger and it doesn’t seem like he has any intention of harming her. He seems content just to threaten her and insist she stay away from him, like every other meeting.

Except she catches a glint of something in his suddenly bright eyes. She can see right down to the centre of them and the flash of emotion like lightning. Unfortunately for him, her friend isn’t the best at hiding those emotions in these situations. His sight shifts, sliding down from her eyes to somewhere she can only describe as lower on her face. Her eyes follow his, trying to figure out what he’s staring at. He’s way too close to be glaring at her, but he’s clearly captivated on something. Perhaps she has something on her face?

He’s looking at her face, definitely. But what would fascinate him? She can see his nose, round and up-turned as though there’s an unpleasant smell around them. His skin is paler than usual, like death has a hold around his throat, but she can see the curve of his cheeks are tinged with pink. From embarrassment? He’s got the upper-hand here, she’s been quiet except for asking him what he wants with her, so she’s at a loss how she could provoke that reaction in him. 

Finally, her eyes brush over his lips, tugged into a snarl, and a different thought enters her mind. Her eyebrows pull together with confusion as she notes every detail of his mouth and how much she can see from this close. At first, nervousness swells in her chest, then some tips she picked up since leaving the tower make everything click into place. Mossy eyes widen with surprise at the revelation and she flounders, wondering if that really could be what he’s thinking about in such a situation. It defies everything she’d thought about her friend’s emotions and she has to speak.

“ Vanitas? ” She breathes, hardly daring to ask the question but being unable to continue this scene until she knows. “ What are you looking at? ”

[towercursed]

@xuntamed​ / random asks

"... Look... I have a kid..."

They were alone; the only way that Shaw would say the words he was saying on school grounds. He had stopped Rapunzel before they had walked out at the end of this dumb 'prom meeting' ( which was becoming... less and less dumb, the more it went on. ) and the words seemed to tumble out of before he could reconsider it. Amber eyes were focused on the adjacent wall, not wanting to peer into her face to see the possible judgement -- the same judgement that everyone seemed to level on him for various reasons. Be it the piercings and tattoos or overhearing a one year old calling him 'da-da': he knew that it was for others to scrutinize.

But.... somehow he felt that she wouldn't do that...

A sigh escaped past his lips, hand running through colored hair roughly. "Lian. That's her name. And uh... Daycares are really fucking weird about their hours and shit, so I usually go pick her up early to drop off with my brother." His chest was tightening the more he went on with this admittance, something like nervousness or anxiety making it difficult to go forward, even as he struggled to make himself still appear indifferent.

When his eyes flicker back up to Rapunzel's green ones, the steel that's usually there had melted slightly. Offering her a piece of himself that he seldom trusted many to have.

"... That's why I cut classes at the end of the day." Thumbs hook in the pockets of his jacket, inhaling deeply before releasing it in a long breath. "And why I’m so late getting here. I... I have to make sure she's good, you know?"

The unspoken lingered underneath his words -- 'Because I love her. Cause she's one of the most important things I have.'

".... Just... Not many here know she's a thing, so just... keep it on the downlow?"

“ Oh. ”

Of all the things she thought he might say, that wasn’t anywhere near what she expected. Cursing her out was higher up on the list than that, right next to insisting this is pointless before walking out and not coming back. Maybe even subtly threatening her into letting him go, based on his reputation - but not delivering such a precious secret to her.

She’s left to blink at him a few times, absorbing the information before her eyes drift to the ground. A child. He has an actual child - at this age? It’s every horror Mother ever warned her about, whenever she even caught wind of Rapunzel even glancing in a man’s direction. Except, it doesn’t seem like a nightmare. Shaw doesn’t seem unhappy with his situation - in fact, he seems to care about her very much. How odd, but strangely refreshing.

“ Lian. ” She repeats, breaking the silence thoughtfully. It’s slow and deliberate, coming down from her surprise and already decided on her verdict. The final answer is clear just from her tone, holding intrigue and acceptance as a bright smile crosses her face. “ That’s a beautiful name. ”

Confusion still spins around her head as she tries to make sense of this revelation. She can guess who the mother is, and it’s easy to imagine why Shaw has to do so much work, but the timeline throws her. Shaw is already so young, so a child of any age begs a lot of questions. But perhaps she doesn’t need that information for now. He must have taken a big step today in acknowledging his child’s existence to someone who could make trouble for him ; another day, she’ll ask and hopefully be satisfied. Today, it’s a day for trust.

“ Don’t worry. I promise, I won’t tell anyone. ” She gives him a smile, filled with reassurance as she reaches out. Her open hand lands on his shoulder and she nods in confirmation of her words. “ And maybe it’s okay if you’re a little late. She’s more important than this. ”

The tension in her has drained away entirely, even the usual nervousness she carries about her when she’s around him. She’s always known there was a different side to him, one buried underneath his uncaring, bad boy personality, but she hadn’t expected this! And trusting her with this secret proves he has a heart under all that leather, let alone with how human the secret makes him. No more cold dismissals - he has a daughter who has him wrapped around her finger and he’s willingly bending to her, so Rapunzel is eager to treat him as someone who loves so deeply.

“ So ---- how old is she? ”

[towercursed]

Psst. U should go wish @xheartpages a happy birthday bc she is the most amazing human being and I am in love with this woman!!

And bc she’s asleep so she can wake up to so many nice messages without trying to stop me : )

[towercursed]

xsalvaticn​

@towercursed​ | x

“…”

Bright blue eyes flickered around them once more, landing on the various dusty surfaces in the small cottage; along with the puppet made in what he could only assume to be the woman’s image – Gothel’s. He’s only heard about her from the bits and pieces that Rapunzel had offered him, and while he made a point to not show it, a shiver rushed down his spine at the knowledge of where exactly they were standing.

What was this woman doing with artifacts from the Dark Kingdom…?

Eyes glanced back towards her, lingering for a moment longer before he takes a step back; still keeping his knife clutched in his hands and not sheathed, half deciding on if he should simply ignore her or not. “I don’t care about all that.” He gruffs, brushing past her as he wanders deeper into the house, glancing at every dust covered object in sight. He wondered if there would be some sort of twinge in his chest or the like if he saw something connected to the place of his birth – something to show some sort of deeper connection. If he’d look at something and just know.

“I’m not here for you. But don’t let that change.” Vanitas hadn’t come here looking for a fight, so he wonders if that is why the anger shimmering under his chest didn’t surge him forward on the offensive. “Why I’m here has nothing to do with you. Leave.” Bright blue locks flutter around him, following him as he turns as corner; leaving from Rapunzel’s line of immediate sight.

Her expression says more than her words can in this moment. Though she wants nothing more than to run away from this place and the memories it conjures, despite being totally new to her, she won’t. Even with his hasty departure and the perfect excuse to slip out, she stands firm against her fears, facing them with with every ounce of strength in her body. For him, she’d do it over and over again and stand up to anything he or the rest of the world throws at her - even Gothel.

“ I’m not going anywhere. ” She insists calmly. It’s harder than normal to put one foot in front of the other ; like the first time she returned to the tower, she has to drag each foot into the air and press it back to the ground. It works, and she’s following him into the other room like a shadow. “ Isn’t it weird we both ended up here at the same time? Maybe it was meant to be. ”

She doubts he’ll believe that, but she does. It can’t be a coincidence that they ended up in this place - this tainted place that makes her shiver as her sight brushes over the various items left behind. Had all this been here since her kidnapping? Had Gothel ever returned? She isn’t sure she wants to know ; she’s too creeped out as it is. If it wasn’t for her friend and how badly he needs her, she would have left the cottage the second she knew it was safe from any ghosts.

“ Vanitas, you wouldn’t be so close to Corona if it wasn’t important. ” She reasons, staying at the edge of the room but keeping her eyes on him at all times. She’s just searching for something, even a flicker of emotion that will shine through the walls he’s put up and let her know that the person she fell for still feels something for her. “ If you don’t want to talk to me, then let me help you. ”

[towercursed]

@xsalvaticn​ / random asks

"... Lucifer... Said what...?"

Vanitas stared at her with unmoving blue eyes, drilling into her emeralds as the only sound to break through the static in his ears was his increasingly labored breathing and heartbeat. He could see Rapunzel fidgeting, messing with her hair and shifting on her feet as she spoke words that she knew she had no right of knowing about. Acting as though by talking about it out loud that maybe they could work through it and things would be sunshine and fucking rainbows.

But soon he could barely even see the other human anymore; the buzzing in his ears turning to words from voices he’s tried to block out for years. Shapes and shadows filled his vision; of an overly excited researcher grabbing onto him before someone - something - scarier than any man he's seen before. With words like 'pact' being thrown around and the sinking realization that he was the offered prize in the exchange, and the way piercing fear filled him when the conditions were accepted.

He took a stumbling step back, hand on his chest; breathing shakily as tremors raced through his body, anger and indignation and fear coursing through him along with more emotions than he could even hope to name.

"... That bastard... What right does he fucking have---!!" Voice rose; loud and steely even though it felt like the words would catch in his throat.

He wasn't here anymore. He wasn't here; he made sure he was dead and ---

A fierce glare was directed towards Rapunzel as clawed fingers still gripped onto his chest through his shirt. "You -- what makes you think you have the fucking right to know anything about it??? Why -- so you can go back to your disgusting demons and laugh about it?! Or maybe to help with that misguided sense of heroism you have -- what; you think if I tell you that you'd be able to save me?? Who the fuck said I even needed saving??"

Even though he welded his words like knives, it did nothing for the heaviness in his heart; the sharp ache. Vanitas took a step back, blue eyes still glaring at her as he moved himself in position for escape.

" --- You know what-- forget it. Forget all of it -- go and become one of them for all I care. Make pacts with all of them; play house and act all merry. I don’t give a fuck anymore." He turns on his heels; body pushing himself forward in a run; away from her. "When everything comes crashing down and you see them for what they are -- I don't want to fucking hear it---!"

Immediately, she knows she’s messed up. The look that falls across Vanitas’ face is more terrifying than any demon she’s come across in the Devildom. It’s like a warning light goes off, turning his eyes bright but lifeless and cold. A shiver runs through her chest, spreading across her shoulders like a winter frost as her face gently falls from apologetic to fearful. It’s a gradual change that only finishes when he speaks those few words. She shifts from foot to foot, nervously preparing to accept the blame and whatever emotions come with it.

Something is wrong. The way he shifts from accepting what she says to---- something else. What’s happening to him? It’s like he’s shifting into another dimension, like his sight is already somewhere else. When he stumbles, she acts, and jumps forward in case he drops. Her hands fall onto his shoulders, gently holding him while he finds himself again.

“ It wasn’t Lucifer’s fault, he just told me a little and I ---- filled in the gaps. ”

The guilt is visibly drowning her, distress tensing every muscle in her body. Just watching him is enough to send her spiralling into a panic, feeling his anger towards Lucifer as though he’s directed it at her. She jumps a little, stepping out of his space as her fingers immediately shoot back into her hair, nervously handling the locks but still clinging to being able to soothe whatever is eating him.

“ Don’t be angry at him, it was my fault. ” She steps forward, too eager to take the blame for this. Her friend already hates the inhabitants of this world so much, she won’t worsen that when there’s always a chance of him finally accepting some sort of friendship - eventually. “ I’m so sorry, Vanitas, I just wanted to know why you hated demons so much, but I never would have- ”

The second he meets her eyes, she freezes. Ice shoots through her veins and paralyses her in shock, as though he’s changed into a terrifying monster right before her. He might as well be fifty feet tall, glaring down on her and ready to make her vanish with a single blink. He’s been angry before, and his base mood is irritable at best, but this is different. This is beyond what she saw from Gothel on a daily basis ; this is rage.

“ What? ” The blood drains from her face, struggling to comprehend the accusations being flung at her like arrows from a crossbow. She barely has time to register one when another comes flying, hitting another part of her body to incapacitate her further. But she still fights to get her side to him, to open her mouth and explain. “ No, I’d never- ”

She can barely string out the words to reassure him before she’s silenced once more by his fury. She takes it all in silence, just staring with fear and guilt - yes, he’s terrifying and he’s aiming to hurt, but she deserves this. She deserves his wrath for prying into his life. The voice in her head demanding that she stays still and takes his anger sounds like Gothel’s, the way she’d insist everything was Rapunzel’s fault. That she should take this verbal barrage as penance for her sins.

Until he leaves.

“ Vanitas, wait! ”

She calls after him immediately, reaching out to clasp at the air where he once stood. It takes her by surprise how he can move so quickly, and by the time she mimics his steps to follow him, he’s already long gone. He vanishes into the shadows like he’s part of them and they’re hiding him from her concern. She can only stare at where she last saw him, desperate to have him back.

“ It’s not like that! Vanitas! ”

No matter how much distress she pours into her cries, he doesn’t return. She’s left alone in the town, watching the darkness tease and taunt her about where her friend could be. And what’s left for her to do now? Just to return to the Hall of Lamentation, to her demons without being able to confide in them in fear of upsetting Vanitas further. She would never even think to laugh at him or his situation, but even talking to the brothers would invoke too much guilt. The only thing she can do is sneak into her room without being seen and stay there, pondering her problem and wondering what she can do to fix her mistake.

[towercursed]

yeet so i’m trying to get back here but. might be quiet? more quiet ooc but shoving memes on the dash. i swear i’m always trying to be here! medical tmi under the cut.

it’s been four years since my first keyhole surgery to drain a 10cm cyst on my ovary. exactly four years today. i found out three days ago i have another 10cm cyst on the same ovary. there’s a lot for me to deal with regarding that, stuff i’m not comfortable posting publicly yet and it all hit me just a few hours ago. i’m not looking for sympathy or pity or anything of the like, i’m just trying to deal with it one part at a time and i want advice but how do u ask for advice if u can’t even voice what you’re worried about tfyguh ah so? yeah. 

[towercursed]

i need some distractions. what memes would you guys send in? i’ll reblog anything.